Pico's Cycling - Tales of the Road is an online cycling magazine. It is intended for writers and riders who want to share their on the road cycling stories and pictures. Submissions that follow our guideline are gratefully appreciated. See the appropriate page in the site menu. Will publish the best of the best each month. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter @PicosCycling.

Wednesday, 30 April 2014

Not Everything Costs an Arm and a Leg - Bike Clothing on a Budget

It seems that Spring is finally here, and there’s been fine weather
abound. I’ve been getting out on my bike quite a bit, and it has
felt fantastic to get back in the saddle again.

I spent my winter researching bike touring, researching destinations,
clothing, equipment, technology and found that clothing in particular
was quite expensive. And, in the beginning I found myself thinking -
‘Wow, I’m really going to have to shell out for all this stuff,
aren’t I?’

I couldn’t have been more wrong. All it takes is some creativity
and perseverance to find cycling clothing that doesn’t cost an arm
and a leg. And believe me, it’s out there. Instead of raving over
jerseys, jackets and cycling shorts that cost a fortune and were well
out of my budget’s reach, I found myself looking elsewhere -
second hand clothing stores, in particular.

It was there that I found a Pearl Izumi cycling jersey, a pair of
Easton baseball-come-cycling pants, and a very lightweight,
waterproof anorak. Note that only one of these is cycling-specific,
and everything cost under twenty dollars. That same jersey
would have cost me $50.00 from Pearl Izumi’s online store. A pair
of those Easton baseball pants - $40.00, and a waterproof,
cycling-specific jacket, well according to BikeRadar’sopinions
on which waterproof jackets are the best… The prices range from $70
USD, all the way up to $500! No, I’m not kidding.

Obviously, as with any sporting clothing - you get what you pay for.
And as I ride in the clothing that I’ve purchased, I may find that
it is woefully unsuitable, but, so-far, so-good! The waterproof
jacket has kept me dry and the jersey has performed excellently.

I have also been graciously gifted a Merino Wool cycling jersey from
BobolinkGear in the
United States. The plan is to review this product over the next
however long it lasts, providing several reviews throughout this year
as I cycle throughout New Brunswick, and next, as I conquer Canada.

Despite my success in finding both cycling-specific, and
cycling-applicable clothing in second-hand stores, there are however
several things I’m missing when it comes to my clothing. A pair of
waterproof pants, for example. Two new pairs of cycling gloves - both
full-fingered and fingerless, a cycling windproof headcover (how I’d
have loved one of those on the rides in early April when I met up
with my old enemy - Mr. Headwind). This list will no doubt be
extended as I look ahead to 2015, and cycling across the country!

For now, though. If
you guys have any suggestions for me on cycling clothing, where to
look for bargains, what to buy, etc. Then please do get in touch.
Below are some pictures of me, all geared up.